Surf shops on Long Island

(Credit: Yana Paskova)

Long Island bred Billy Joel, not the Beach Boys, and more months are spent in boots than in flip-flops. But that doesn't mean the surfing culture skipped our shores. From laid-back Montauk to bustling Long Beach, dedicated surfers and skaters have opened shops filled with boards, bikinis and beach accessories -- whether you're raring to hit the waves or just want to hang loose in that effortlessly cool surfer style. "Long Island has such phenomenal natural resources," says Lars Svanberg, owner of Main Beach Surf & Sport in Wainscott. "Sometimes, we need to just unplug, go to the beach and feel the sun." We couldn't agree more. Here are some shops to hit before you dig your toes into the sand. -- By Nina Ruggiero